Lloyd Templeton, 23, grew up with a deep connection to the Calgary Stampede. He’d wake up early to secure a spot along the parade route before dawn, captivated by the sight of horses thundering through downtown Calgary. These cherished memories fueled his desire to capture the spirit of the Stampede in his art, prompting him to enter the 2024 Calgary Stampede Youth Poster competition. His search for inspiration led him to a photograph of Duane Mark, a Stoney Nakoda Tipi Holder riding horseback in the parade. Templeton was drawn to Mark’s expression, which reflected the same love and excitement for the event that he felt as a spectator. “His regalia was just so visually striking and impressive, but in his expression, I could tell he had the same love and excitement about being in the parade that I felt watching the parade,” Templeton shared. His final oil painting, a tribute to Mark’s presence in the Stampede, earned Templeton the top prize. The two forged a friendship, even taking horseback riding lessons together before riding side-by-side in the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade, a full-circle moment for Templeton. Their collaboration extended beyond the parade, as they worked together on the official Stampede boots. Paying homage to Stoney Nakoda heritage, the boots feature a golden eagle and mountain imagery, along with a Stoney Nakoda phrase inscribed inside the lining, translating roughly to “fostering peace and respect.” Templeton’s artwork, including his winning poster, can be found at the art gallery throughout the Stampede, while his poster image is permanently etched in the concrete outside the new BMO Centre, a lasting testament to his contribution to the Calgary Stampede. The $10,000 scholarship he received for winning the poster competition will fuel his artistic journey, as he prepares to study Renaissance oil painting in Florence, Italy this fall. Templeton’s experience exemplifies the power of inspiration and collaboration, highlighting the profound impact the Calgary Stampede has on the community and the lives of those who participate in it.
Calgary Stampede Poster Artist Rides in Parade with His Inspiration
